Don't look now, but the Nationals have won back-to-back series for the first time since early-May (when they beat the Pirates and Tigers in succession). If they're going to claw their way back into the thick of the NL East race, this is how they have to do it, taking 2 of 3 from as many upcoming opponents as they can, and they were able to do it in the last week against the Twins and Rockies.

Tonight, the Nationals open a new series in Cleveland, against an Indians club also hovering around the .500 mark. Davey Johnson will have (in theory) his three best starters on the mound: Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg. That's obviously a good thing.

Offensively, Davey is going with a couple of twists with tonight's lineup. Taking advantage of the DH in the AL park, Ryan Zimmerman gets a chance to bat four or five times without taking the field. Chad Tracy will be at third place. Steve Lombardozzi, meanwhile, is at second base, with Anthony Rendon getting the night off.

I'm not in Cleveland this weekend, but please continue the conversation here. And a special thanks to all of you who continue to do your part to keep the discourse intelligent and respectful…

Here's how the Cleveland Indians enter this series with the Nats:Record: 32-33 (18-12 at home, 3-8 in June, 5-3 in interleague play)Current Indians are batting .284 against Gio Gonzalez (21/74), with Swisher (6/15, 1 HR), Bourn (4/10) and Raburn (6-11, 2 HRs) all hitting over .400 against him.Just 5 Nats had some ABs against Justin Masterson:Span 7/28 with a homerSuzuki 2/11 with a homerTracy 2/2 with a homerRZim 0/1JDub 0/3

David Proctor said… This lineup is baffling to me. I understand wanting to DH Zimmerman. But why do you not play Rendon at 3B and Lombo at 2B if you want to do that? Why Chad Tracy? WHY CHAD F'N TRACY???? +1 Tracy is the only guy we have at 3B who is a worse 3B (right now) than Zimmerman (sorry Zimmerman, but yiur not what you use to be).

Masterson has always had a big L/R split, so that explains starting Tracy. As far as not putting Rendon at 3B, I assume they want him to work just at 2B for now and not have him move back and forth.Tomorrow, against Kazmir, I expect Rendon to be back at 2B, with Marrero at DH. At least that's what I hope.

I see only three reasons for this line up madnessRendon is hurtLast chance for Tracy ala stairsDj has lost his mindVery odd to change a winning combination when u need wins. I hate this lineup . I dont care about matchups, tracy is done

Here are my thoughts.(1) Masterson is the best of their pitchers, and the game we were most likely to lose. However, he has a pretty big platoon split, given that his is a starter. Righties are only hitting .190/.271/.254 against him, whereas lefties .242 /.332/.368(2) Tracy will not disgrace himself at 3B. He made a couple of excellent defensive plays there this year and 3B is his regular position.(3) It's good to see Roger starting, I take that to mean his shoulder/collarbone are OK. Rendon can pinch hit, it's not the end of the world.

Failing Harper, Davey has his best outfield defensively for Gio. We don't think Lombo is hopeless at 2B, right? Nor is Tracy. It remains to be seen if it will work, but I don't think it's crazy. If Tracy goes 0 for 4 and makes an error under these circumstances–which are the best possible for him–then it's the end of the line for him, and it's best to know that now. If he performs, then maybe we win the game.

Tcostant, I agree Tracy's range is limited, but actually, Zim's is too, I'm afraid to say. All too often he lays out for a ball that he doesn't get. Fortunately, Desi's range is excellent, and he'll just have to cope. Tracy won't throw the ball away, so there's that.

Giving Tracy a start isn't the end of the world. At least he can fire the ball on target across the diamond. And I don't have a problem with resting Rendon for a night. I just kind of wish that Davey didn't decide to do both things on the same night. If Tracy goes 0-4 tonight, please don't start him tomorrow, ok Davey?Also, to be fair, I wanted to repost this from the end of the previous thread. Maybe Feel was right. The comments on this story are pretty interesting. People thought a whole lot of Zuki back in July 2010.

Kurt has been in 47 of the 65 games so far, and started most of those, IIRC. This option vests if he starts 66 of the next 97, which means that if Ramos doesn't make it back, and nobody gets traded, it's a given. I can't see Davey starting Solano a third of the time during a pennant race.

Okay… I'm over the line up… Here is to C Tracy having a 2/4 night….I get the L vs R thing…. Maybe DJ wanted to give Lombo an opportunity and Rendon a rest…Glad to see Roger in the line up as I am going to assume his shoulder is okay… Maybe it was just a stinger…Nats – 4Them – 1

Just wanted to remind everyone that we are almost at the one year anniversary of what MLB originally said was the drop-dead date for a MASN dispute resolution.Thanks, TCos, for the reminder, good point. I'm guessing this takes at least that long.

I hate seeing a lineup with Tracy and without Rendon too, but I guess it kind of makes some sense to do it now if you're gonna do it at all. There's the splits of course, and also the fact that Rendon has probably never been on a road trip like this in his entire life. In college and the minor leagues they don't play nine straight games in three different cities thousands of miles apart like the Nats are doing here. Kid can probably use a break, might as well do it now so he's fresh for the weekend and the visit to a division rival after that.

Tcostant @ 4:05 = most significant post of the day, regardless of what happens in Cleveland. I've recently been rereading Daniel Okrent's '9 Innings' and the portrait he paints of a youngish (1982 season) Bud Selig — then the managing partner of the Brewers' ownership group — is quite telling, particularly in retrospect. Despite getting jerked around by the MLB owners in the period between the Braves departure and his group's acquisition of the Pilots, his loyalty is to the 'the club' — not the ball club, mind you, but the club that was (and is) that composed of MLB team owners. And while the Lerners are now a part of that club, I've got to believe Mr. Selig still wants to avoid offending a more senior owner (Peter Angelos) or doing anything that could lead Mr. Angelos to sue MLB and risk the various benefits the owners enjoy.

Too funny. A number of reasons, up top, were given for Tracy starting. Then, a number of "why Tracy?" posts.Hint — read some of the messages.BTW, here's another answer: perhaps a start or two can "get him going".In fact, the last time some of the NI commenters went ballistic with "why is _he_ starting" they were referring to the Shark, who promptly got on base 4 times that game.BTW, I also agree with the Matt Stairs analogy. I've also been thinking that Tracy has until around the ASB, and will either improve or get cut. Note: earlier I made a similar prediction with Espi – I had said: he either improves by the fist half of June or, sometime between June 1 and 15th, he gets sent down. So, too, I suspect, with Tracy around ASB time.

I get the lefty-righty split and Masterson is a tough pitcher who is having his best season.That said, with Harper out, I hate having Rendon's bat out of the lineup.Below Desmond, this lineup sure looks suspect.

Thanks for the reminder TCostant. We can't talk about it enough. I hate to say it, but you cannot be a fan of the Orioles and call yourself a DC sports fan. DC sports have no greater enemy than Peter Angelos and his Orioles. For years the succeeded at keeping us from having baseball at all. What is worse for DC sports than fighting against DC having a sports team? Then he agreed only when Selig gave him a sweetheart TV deal that negatively affects the Nats' ability to compete for free agents for decades to come. A few obnoxious Phillies fans pale on comparison to that kind of sleaziness.

his loyalty is to the 'the club' — not the ball club, mind you, but the club that was (and is) that composed of MLB team owners.Ughh. You may be right, but I hate that.The first thing I thought of when you wrote that was Jay Vincent — a baseball commissioner that put the game of baseball first, not the owners. He even said, flat out: "The Union basically doesn’t trust the Ownership because collusion was a $280 million theft by Selig and Reinsdorf of that money from the players. I mean, they rigged the signing of free agents. They got caught. They paid $280 million to the players. And I think that’s polluted labor relations in baseball ever since it happened. I think it’s the reason Fehr has no trust in Selig."So, what happened? He got fired after around 3 years. And Selig replaced him.

With Strasburg coming off the DL for Sunday's game, the Nats will have to send a player down or cut someone loose, my guess is if they choose to send someone down, that they'll choose Xavier Cedeno, "unless" Tracy bombs today and tomorrow. In which case, he's a strong candidate to DFA'd.If, by some miracle he's still with the team when Bryce returns next week, Tracy has to be cut. If he's still there after Bryce comes back, it's time to start screaming for Davey's head, because his "need" for a "veteran presence" is hurting the team, and he more than anyone should know that the team comes before egos, including his own.IMO, the only thing that will save Tracy, is if he very quickly gets hot and stays that way. Frankly, I don't see that happening. His glory days with the Nats came last year. Stick a fork in him, he's done.

Eugene in Oregon said… Tcostant @ 4:05 = most significant post of the day, regardless of what happens in Cleveland. I've recently been rereading Daniel Okrent's '9 Innings' and the portrait he paints of a youngish (1982 season) Bud Selig — then the managing partner of the Brewers' ownership group — is quite telling, particularly in retrospect. Despite getting jerked around by the MLB owners in the period between the Braves departure and his group's acquisition of the Pilots, his loyalty is to the 'the club' — not the ball club, mind you, but the club that was (and is) that composed of MLB team owners. And while the Lerners are now a part of that club, I've got to believe Mr. Selig still wants to avoid offending a more senior owner (Peter Angelos) or doing anything that could lead Mr. Angelos to sue MLB and risk the various benefits the owners enjoy. Me: No doubt you’re correct. Selig has always been viewed as a consonance builder; basically he wants all his ducks in a row before he does anything.

bowdenball — I'm with you on that.When Angelos started trying to stop baseball from coming to DC, I sorta swore that I would never set foot in Ori-hole stadium again.I got nothing against the team. I loved following them in the early 1980's. I look forward to rooting for them when there is different ownership. But until then . . . phooey.(I might bend the rule if the Nats are playing in a World Series game over there)

Wonk: Exactly. With the exception of Judge Landis, the owners have never allowed a commissioner to gain any independent power or really even exercise his own judgment. Even Bowie Kuhn was stripped of his labor-relations authority in the later years of his term (second term?) when he applied the 'best interests of baseball' clause to prevent the owners from locking-out the players in 1976. For all the talk of the commissioner being the commissioner of 'all baseball' — players, owners, and fans — he's an employee of the owners. Period. Mr. Selig has survived because, as an owner himself, he understands that better than any other commissioner has.

As a result of being Pirates fan in the 70s, I've thankfully never had any interest in the O's. After moving to DC, I went to games at ol' Memorial Stadium and Camden Yards a few times a year but not once since 2005. Haven't missed it at all.

James Wagner ‏@JamesWagnerWP 14sDavey: Bryce Harper still resting knee. Likely be evaluated while Nats in Philly. If goes well, hopeful following week. Needs rehab games.So that would make the 24th the earliest return date.

Caps Fan said… Rendon is still in the process of learning how to play second base. Don't expect to see him getting spot starts or even playing time at third base any time soon.Lombo's played third before, hasn't he?Hell's bells, even if he hasn't what's the worst he could do over there? Kick a ball or two? For that, you're taking Rendon out?Desi: "Thanks a lot, skip. There goes my 15-game hitting streak."And just watch: Gio's curve will be falling off a cliff tonight. He'll have seven Ks by the fourth inning, and Tracy will be standing over at third wondering if anything is gonna get hit near him. "Well, when the pitcher comes up, he'll probably bunt and… oh, crap, it's the AL…"Prediction: Nats lose 3-2 as Desi gets an IBB and Tracy strikes out with two outs and Zimm and Werth in scoring position in the top of the ninth.(Reverse lock? Moi?)

I'm not expecting to see Rendon at 3B because Ryan Zimmerman has that job. But I seriously doubt playing a few innings there in a pinch will hurt his development at 2B. Lombo plays different positions. So did Espi. Davey will use Rendon at 3B if he needs to. And once Tracy is cut, hopefully soon, he'll be the best backup option we've got at that position. You would think Rendon's performance so far has proved that he doesn't need to be babied in the field.

I'm having a very hard time understanding why Rendon is sitting tonight. Especially when he has an 8 game hitting streak. Maybe Tracy can have a breakout game against an AL team like Cleveland. Gio is a great guy to start tonight. He is rested and will be fired up on the mound. Hopefully that emotion will spill over to the other guys so they can keep this road trip moving in the right direction.

Davey's just breaking us in for Danny's eventual return. He has seriously lost any mojo he had last year. What worked last year was forgoing veterans like Nady for Bryce Lombok and Moore. Now he's Jim Riggleman. I for one won't miss Davey next year.

I have to say it too. Why Tracy?@?@?@!!!! Why is Rendon not in the lineup!!!???!??! WHY WHY WHY!!!??? No wonder there is so much frustration here!!!!!!!! Have the coaches and Johnson short circuited? Again!?

Why do people get so upset when someone who obviously is next in line to get dfa"d is given a chance to prove he shouldn't? Rendon coming off the bemch seems like a better situation in a dh game then Tracy.

Davey Johnson's biggest weakness is his stubborn penchant for sticking with losers when there is no hope that these individuals have any chance to ever contribute in a positive way. Four examples that immediately come to mind are Henry Rodriguez, Danny Espinosa, Chad Tracy and the hitting coach, Eckstein. Good managers are flexible while Davey is painfully stubborn. This flaw has caused several unnecessary losses over the past two years. I suspect Rizzo has the same flaw, which is why he puts up with Davey.

NatsJack in Florida said… Why do people get so upset when someone who obviously is next in line to get dfa"d is given a chance to prove he shouldn't? Because we'd like to give the team a chance to win?

NatsJack in Florida said… I've got the Braves/Giants on the laptop, the Nats on the big screen, the Dodgers/Pirates on the tower and the Chiefs where Tyler Moore just hit a wall scraper home run to left on my tablet.I feel inadequate…

Rizzo won't hesitate to cut Tracy when he's ready. He ate Lidge's contract, and Stairs's. He just has a little more patience than we do, and that's probably a good thing.I didn't catch the whole thing, but Davey's pre-game interview on MASN seemed to give more hope for Espi's return than I'd like to hear. I sure hope he gets at least one hit in the minors before they bring him back….

Me at 5:24: Candide said… And just watch: Gio's curve will be falling off a cliff tonight. He'll have seven Ks by the fourth inning…Here it is at the end of five and Gio has 7 Ks.I wish I was that smart every day.

NatsJack in Florida said…I've got the Braves/Giants on the laptop, the Nats on the big screen, the Dodgers/Pirates on the tower and the Chiefs where Tyler Moore just hit a wall scraper home run to left on my tablet.are you sure you're not really that Finch guy from "person of interest?";-)

Has Tracy had a single chance at third tonight?Was wondering, because for all the offense he's provided, Davey might as well have penciled in my mother-in-law at third.Still thinking Lombo at third and Rendon at second would have made a lot more sense.

Mrs B It seems like every pitcher, regardless of talent, is filthy again these hitless wonders. Even washed up Freddie Garcia of the Os shut out the Nationals on three hit and that may be the only game he has won all season.

If we lose this game, I think we need to blame Gio. He should KNOW that giving up one run per game is too many, considering our offense. Therefore he should be blamed.Kudos to Davey for sitting Rendon. Clearly the kid wasn't hot. Tracey, on the other hand, clearly represents the future of the franchise. Thanks again Davey.And great management with bases loaded and one out earlier for the Nats. We definitely didn't want to run a squeeze there. Thanks again Davey. Your hairy-chested guys hit lots of three-run homers this year.But mainly, we need to blame Gio for giving up one run tonight. Unforgivable. If your team doesn't score runs, pitch a shutout–DUH GIO!

In contrast to two weeks ago, there's no one in the bullpen who I am afraid to see tonight. Still, and I know this is heresy, I'd pitch Soriano in this inning. There's more pressure and less margin for error in a tie game, possible walkoff situation than in a save situation.

do1teach1 I think what is disappointing is that Zim (DH tonight) and Werth took 3rd strikes on there second at bats verse Masterson. That shows a lack of adjustment which is what is hurting this teams offense. My heart goes out to Gio. Also, Werth can not go 1 for 15. This game really should be 1-0 Indians, the only run scored was by Masterson's wild pitchAlso, Clip did a great job of getting out of the inning. My questions is, why is Davey not playing Storen? Too much pressure on Clip

If we lose this game, I think we need to blame Gio. He should KNOW that giving up one run per game is too many, considering our offense. Therefore he should be blamed.Kudos to Davey for sitting Rendon. Clearly the kid wasn't hot. Tracey, on the other hand, clearly represents the future of the franchise. Thanks again Davey.And great management with bases loaded and one out earlier for the Nats. We definitely didn't want to run a squeeze there. Thanks again Davey. Your hairy-chested guys hit lots of three-run homers this year.But mainly, we need to blame Gio for giving up one run tonight. Unforgivable. If your team doesn't score runs, pitch a shutout–DUH GIO!

Davey must have been napping in the dugout because he didn't argue the fact that the baserunner was clearly out of the base line, blocking Laroche's view of home plate. The umpires umpire like the Nats hit!!

Gio with yet another hard luck loss. 222, I would put Soriano in there, too, IF he hadn't just pitched two days in a row, and will probably be needed Sat or Sun. The blown call is bad, but I would prefer not to go to extras. My nightmare was an 18 inning game with no off-day until a week from Monday. Take our chances tomorrow, we got another good pitcher up and Davey won't use this lineup again, I sincerely hope. Tracy could have got that foul ball, RZ would have gotten it.

Brain dead line-up by Davey. Chad Tracy has no business on a AAA field much less this field. Why would you sit you top player in terms of OBP so that Chad Tracy can make four automatic outs. His OBP+ is rapidly going to ZERO, below every single other player on the team according to baseball reference.

ALR should have drilled him between the eyes! would have made for a much different blog that's for sure…since in Cleveland, they prob don't call it, but I sure hope Davey and company approach these umps tomorrow so we get a questionable call tomorrow.

Of course, it hurts us. We blow a half game, but I guess I know what you mean. Bernadina and Lombo need to be only playing as defensive replacements. Tracy needs to be released. I would not be surprised if it is tomorrow. Tracy is embarrassing himself to an extent that I have never seen before in baseball.

Joe, his lateral movement isn't great. His bag work is exceptional. That play at the end was a good try. Are you going to comment towards me every time ALR makes a nice play. Save the typing. I like the guy.

Going into tongith, Chad Tracy has 7 singles and 1 HR. He has 15 strike-outs versus 3 bases on balls. His OPS+ is 3, which is lowest on the team. He struck out at least twice tonight and had no hits. The guy is only 33 but he is done. Look at the holes that have been plugged. Henry is gone. Moore is gone. It is time to get rid of Tracy and only let Lombo and Bernadina come in in the late innings. We have good guys up from the minors now.

Why is it that no one in the media ever asks Davey why he keeps playing Chad Tracy? We might as well just send up the batboy with a white flag and move on to the next hitter. Chad Tracy was basically our DH tonight while Rendon sat on the bench.

I have been tracking Masterson in my Opening Day series. He is a very good pitcher–turning into a true Ace for them. Not saying Cy Young, but definitely up there. He has two complete game shutouts. We were lucky that he lost his command we got even the one run.

Look. I'm not happy the Nats lost. And yes, I really have an issue with people that say "we" when talking about a team that they are fans of.But it was a terrific baseball game. That's enough for me.The Nats have to come back and win one tommorrow. Everything is as it should be. A grind.

NJ, if we had to lose one, this was the one I thought we would lose, looking at Masterson. It was a tight game, no errors, Francona and his team don't make a lot of mistakes, at least, they didn't tonight, though if you look at it from their point of view, they left a lot of runners on base. They probably think they blew it for Masterson, that he didn't get the win.

I don't know if the fellows running the blog ever read the entries by fans, but it seems strange how they basically never raise any issues with management that are not Strasburg or Harper related. Chad Tracy could go on a killing spree in Cleveland tonight and be penciled in by Johnson and the Nats' media would ask about Harper and Strasburg.

I have to tip my cap to all the NI posters saying you have to tip your cap to "Christy" Masterson.He is 47-58 career with a 4.12 ERA.No team in baseball, much less in the history of baseball, was going to score 3 runs on Masterson tonight. He is the best pitcher who ever lived.

NJ, good game I agree but one we should have won with the correct line-up, Tracy in there is just mind-numbing. I am starting to question Davey, he doesn't seem right. So he thought Rendon needed a rest after a few games in the bigs? Kid is 22…22! He doesn't need a break especially not for Chad Tracy!…ugggghhhh! am going to bed, we should have won this game, so frustrating.

I really don't understand Davey. His comments defending a patently bad lineup and criticizing a pitcher with a one-run quality start would really cheese me if I were a pitcher. All to protect a washed up bench player who should have been dfa'd a month ago. That is how you kill a clubhouse and stop forward momentum. You reward performance, end of story. Match ups are less important.

DJB said…I really don't understand Davey. His comments defending a patently bad lineup and criticizing a pitcher with a one-run quality start would really cheese me if I were a pitcher. All to protect a washed up bench player who should have been dfa'd a month ago. That is how you kill a clubhouse and stop forward momentum. You reward performance, end of story. Match ups are less important.I'm saying this with no disrespect, but Davey probably knows how to handle these things (particularly the clubhouse, something he's been praised for everywhere he's gone) better than you (or I, or anyone else on here). That certainly doesn't make him immune to criticism, but still.As for Tracy, I still think this was a last ditch effort to get him going before he's DFA'd. We'll see.

NatsLady said… NJ, if we had to lose one, this was the one I thought we would lose, looking at Masterson. It was a tight game, no errors, Francona and his team don't make a lot of mistakes, at least, they didn't tonight, though if you look at it from their point of view, they left a lot of runners on base. They probably think they blew it for Masterson, that he didn't get the win. June 14, 2013 10:27 PM I agree. Well played game with a few tightropes walked. Cleveland only executed once the whole game and that was on the hit and run in the 9th. I think Davey made the right call going after the lefty but certainly some managers would have walked the bases loaded to get a force at home. With Stubbs on 3rd with all that speed it makes it a tough call. Going after the strikeout neutralizes the game to get 2 outs.Get them tomorrow.

NJ, I admit, I can;t guess what Davey was thinking–a last chance for Tracy to redeem himself, I dunno, maybe Rendon has the flu. We all talked about it before the game, platoon splits, everything. It's frustrating, but not as absolutely maddening as that time he took Gio out when he was cruising with a 1-0 lead. He put the lefties in the lineup and they hit diddly-squat except Lombo's measly single, plus Werth is not seeing the ball right now, not even a walk. Well, how do you like that, the Fish beat the Cards! There is just no predicting baseball.

Idk Nj – I'm not seeing Chicken Littles… I'm seeing people displeased about an offense that only had 2 hits and scored 1 run….Do1 – Ross O has a sky high ERA but he was on the other night… Sometimes you have to give credit where credit is due. Masterson was on tonight.

Joe, I don't get what you are so ticked about. I gave my opinion on LaRoche's fielding on balls while calling him the best 1st baseman on the base.If you don't agree, that's fine but I don't get why you are attacking me.

Last year Davey slammed LaRoche for something, and I thought, why'd he do that in public, whoa!!! LaRoche laughed it off and said, Davey was right, I did blow that. At that point, I decided I know nada about clubhouse dynamics.

NatsLady said… Last year Davey slammed LaRoche for something, and I thought, why'd he do that in public, whoa!!! LaRoche laughed it off and said, Davey was right, I did blow that. At that point, I decided I know nada about clubhouse dynamics. Good players make mistakes too and it shows a lot of class when they handle it the right way. Even during ALR's slump in April he handled it well.Tough loss but get them tomorrow.

And, NatsLady, I agree with you 100%. Gio pitched a helluva a game. I wouldn't have been the one to make the call to walk the bases loaded, or not. I did't like the line up to start the game though.Tracy is a great guy whose sun in MLB has set, again, in my opinion.

As for "protecting" Tracy–every one of the vets knows the day will come when he is in Tracy's shoes. They know Tracy's days are numbered. For all I know they are saying their good-byes as we speak. I doubt they begrudge Tracy one last game.

Right after Davey took over from Riggs at the end of June 2011, he gave Matt Stairs three straight starts as DH against the Angels in LA. Stairs went 2-11 in that series with 1 walk. He also started him at first in two games in early July. He went 3-12 with one walk in July, mostly as a pinch hitter, and wasn't released until the end of the month. I know we'd all like to see Tracy go tomorrow. And maybe there's more urgency in this WSOB season to fill this black hole on our bench. I sure hope so. But I wouldn't be surprised if Davey gave him another start or two. Anyone know if Cleveland's starters in the next two games are right or left handed?

I'm sure if Davey could have foreseen that Gio would give up exactly one run and that his 3-4-5-6 hitters would combine for exactly one single, yeah, he woulda swapped Tracy and Rendon… Girardi's one of the best managers on the planet and he couldn't stop 4-5-6-7 hitters from going 0 for 28 last night.

NatsLady, I understand your point, but these are also ambitious professionals. Any organization wants to see performance rewarded. More importantly they want to win. To lesson that chance by giving someone a beni wouldn't seem to sit well, especially the young players.

NatsLady said:Girardi's one of the best managers on the planet and he couldn't stop 4-5-6-7 hitters from going 0 for 28 last night.June 14, 2013 11:05 PM——-//////Yeah, I guess Giradi had a bad night, huh?

Was at a friend's house for dinner and as he isn't a baseball fan, I missed the whole game. Guess if I had to miss one, this was a good choice. I agree it is time for Tracy to go. He contributed last year but he is dead weight now and we can't afford to waste a roster spot. Can't believe all the strikeouts.

Julie Alexandria ‏@JulieAlexandria 19mAdam LaRoche says he threw the ball right at Kipness; on being back at .500 "feels like we r 15 games under .500 . We gotta get it going."I don't know how, but some way somehow, they need to relax. I'm convinced the lack of offense is from them pressing. They need to just tune everything out, tune the scoreboard and the Braves out and just play.

I think Tracy K'ed twice tonight, which makes it 17 K's for him versus 3 BB this year. It is impossible for any player to have success with that sort of K/BB ratio. By way of comparison, Tyler Moore's ratio was almost identical, 36 to 6.

paul brandt…agreedMrsB loves the Nats said…Idk Nj – I'm not seeing Chicken Littles… I'm seeing people displeased about an offense that only had 2 hits and scored 1 run….AGREED and the chicken little comment is so uncalled for and down right rude …its as if NOBODY is allowed to show justified displeasure in here when it is more than justified. the facts speak for themselves. there is frustration with the team because every time it seems they are about to turn a corner, they fall. fans have a right to point out things like Tracy batting 134 and on a decline..that is not bashing Tracy…that is reality and anyone has the right to question why a red hot Rendon did not play tonight… There is not one single insult that has been posted tonight about any player and that is why the comment is so over the top

DJB, I don't think it was completely a "beni," I think Davey did want to get all his lefties in there because of the platoon split, and give RZ a rest. He saw a reasonable chance to start Tracy and see if he had anything left at all. I don't agree with Davey's line-up but (a) it probably wasn't the difference between winning and losing and (b) it probably doesn't matter as much in the clubhouse as we think it does.

By the way, Tyler Moore, has five RBI's in two games at Syracuse so far, although his OBP is only .111. He has one hit in 9 plate appearances and 2 sac flies, 3 strike outs and no walks with a.143 batting average. I think we all hope that he can figure things out quick and fill the role that Morse filled last year, but we might have to wait till next year for that.

NJ, I tend to agree that calling people Chicken Littles is not really fair. There's nothing wrong with being upset after a loss, and even second guessing the manager. That's what a blog like this is for, and everyone, even people claim not to be Chicken Little have done it. Remember "Espi stinks"? And not to get all technical about it, but didn't Chicken Little say the sky was falling? Well, I think you have to admit that the sky is kind of falling given how much ground we need to make up in now less than 2/3 of the season. As ALR says, we need to get it going.By the way, the runner had to duck to get out of the way of ALR's throw. So I believe him when he says he threw the ball right at the runner. Too bad it didn't hit him.

DP, does LaRoche mean he threw it at Kipnis so he could get the out called for Kipnis interference and he missed, or that he threw it at Kipnis because he was in the way and he made a bad throw to the plate?

"And not to get all technical about it, but didn't Chicken Little say the sky was falling? Well, I think you have to admit that the sky is kind of falling given how much ground we need to make up in now less than 2/3 of the season. As ALR says, we need to get it going."5.5 games is nothing to make up with 2/3 of the season left. I agree with your point, but I think some act as if we're further behind than we actually are. 5.5 games with 96 to play is basically nothing.Of course, we'd have to actually produce to make that gap up though…

He had a nice bases clearing double last night — and those rbi's are more than Tracy has produced. Anyway- who says we have no offense? We had a fantastic balk score yesterday, followed by a wild pitch score today!

OK, because LaRoche has a very high baseball IQ, and I would not be surprised if he threw it at Kipnis knowing he would get the out that way. And then isn't it a dead ball and the runners have to go back?

Davey said last week, that Eckstein's philosophy is excellent. Does anyone know what that philosophy actually is? seriously, I would like to know, I doubt very much it involves the team not getting a single base hit after the 3rd inning.

And I agree with David, 5.5 games is nothing, especially the way Atlanta is playing. LaRoche is saying (I think) forget about waiting for Harper, Ramos, etc. just get OUR butts moving, the butts that are on the field right now.

I think Davey made the right call going after the lefty but certainly some managers would have walked the bases loaded to get a force at home. Wait, Ghost, did someone take over your moniker? I thought it was Baseball 101 to walk the bases loaded in that situation. You mean it depends on the matchup, i.e., who the batter is? You walked right into that one, buddy.

Gio walked the bases loaded before luckily escaping. He was very good, but not at his best. The results were great, but he struggled big time towards the end (after a fantastic start). I don't understand why we're making a big deal out of this, of all things.

5.5 games may be nothing, but to get to 95 wins, the Nats have to play at a 104 win pace for the rest of the season, a .646 winning percentage. That ain't nothing. You may think the Braves are going to collapse, and certainly Beachy's setback makes their pitching less scary, but that's a darn good team we have to catch. ALR knows how tough it's going to be.Now, with our pitching rotation restored and Harper back, maybe we have a shot, but I certainly would say that being skeptical of our chances of winning the division at this point does not make you a Chicken Little.

David…my only point is that Davey should be discussing the team's batting problems, why they could not get a single hit after the 3rd inning, why Zim and Werth look at 3rd strike after going through the lineup once, why the worst hitter on the team played over the hottest hitter tonight, things of that nature. Instead, Davey draw attention by taking a shot at the 1 player that kept in the game.I think it is a big deal in terms of what Davey is thinking

I was actually concerned Sunday night when Werth made a ridiculous catch and then did that base grabbing slide. I was positive his hammy was barking again That was the most full out I had seen him play in a long time. Hope he did not overextend.

granted, Gio did not pitch the best game of his career, instead of pitching great, he only pitched very good…here is the point Why say anything at all about Gio not having his best stuff. Davey made a mistake, he should not have said a stupid comment like that and I bet after sleeping on it, I think he would agree.

Gio actually cruised until the 6th and then he let his emotions get the best of him and gave up a coupe of walks… But he got out of it with a good series from Zook… The 7th inning was fine as well but he was gassed and left it all out there…He did enough for us to win… Hell, on most nights, this performance is hailed as most teams would win… But our offense wasnt there tonight..This is the type of game that you aren't as upset about if the record is better and the offense is better… But becuz we are sputtering here and there with runs, it just seems as if stuff is compounded…But as I said earlier, lets just get them tomorrow and Sunday!

Section 222 said… I think Davey made the right call going after the lefty but certainly some managers would have walked the bases loaded to get a force at home. ————-Wait, Ghost, did someone take over your moniker? I thought it was Baseball 101 to walk the bases loaded in that situation. You mean it depends on the matchup, i.e., who the batter is? You walked right into that one, buddy. June 14, 2013 11:40 PM Baseball 101 would have been to walk the bases loaded and Davey went to his own Baseball 102 and I'm sure contemplated his options and went for the K or hoping for the infield grounder right at someone because of the big speed at 3rd with Stubbs and the switch-hitter flyball guy in the on-deck circle in Swisher. I think Davey made a calculated decision and it didn't work but I am sure in this case he thought through all of his options.

Against the Tulowitsky-less Rockies, who couldn't hold a 7-2 lead, Papelbon comes in for the rare save situation. Gives up a single to Cargo, who immediately steals 2B. Cuddyer strikes out, Helton grounds out. Ballgame. Not really worried about the Fillies in the long run, but they aren't giving up yet.

Ghost, I'm sure he did, and I actually agree with his move to try to get the lefty, but it's a tough call given the speed of the baserunner at third. Whether he made the "right" decision or not, it's impossible to know. But surely you recognize the inconsistency between what you said here and your insistence in the exchange I linked to that Terry Collins made the only possible correct decision when he walked Bernadina to pitch to Lombo in that walkoff game i10 days ago. There are judgment calls to make every time. That's what makes this game fun to watch, debate, and second guess.

Also, remember the Nats won the Twins series and the Rockies series after losing the first game. We are OK, they have lesser pitchers, we have better pitchers (on paper, anyway) for the next two games. JZ is our bulldog, and I bet he's fired up to be in the Cy Young race, from a personal point of view. Stras and Stammen on Sunday.I too am worried about Werth, but he is a veteran's veteran. He took his time coming back, so hopefully he knows what he's doing. You can say whatever you want about Span, but he just doesn't make mistakes in the outfield, you have to love that.

Sect222, Lombo isn't Swisher and the Nats had a slow runner on 3rd in LaRoche that if a ball went into the outfield you still have a chance. Both situations favor the home team no matter what you do. I thought Collins made the good decision at the time and I think Davey made a good decision but if he walked the bases loaded it would have been a good decision. I think the situation would change if Kipnis was right-handed and a lefty was on deck. In the Mets game there were no outs, in this situation there was 1 out. Abad really needed that K. Oh well.

Suzuki might be my most serious concern. Shark is heating up (if he's healthy). Werth, again if healthy, will be fine. Suzuki looks absolutely lost though. We need Ramos back. You get him and Harper back, you have 1-8 hitters to be feared.

These two teams are so well-matched, Cleveland struggling for respectability and desperate to avoid the season-ending collapse, the Nats struggling against the label of "favorites," fighting to overcome devastating injuries, trying to get a win streak but without enough resources. Both with savvy, experienced managers. This is truly baseball fun.

Today Rizzo said Ramos setback was days, not weeks. "Wilson Ramos’s recent setback in the rehab of his left hamstring will last only “several days,” according to Rizzo, and not weeks as Johnson had originally suggested. Ramos felt something in his leg muscle as he was performing base running drills earlier this week at the Nationals spring training complex in Viera.The Nationals immediately shut down Ramos, given his recurring hamstring issues. Ramos was rehabbing a second strain of the same hamstring. He strained his hamstring April 13 and missed 14 games. He came back but re-injured the hamstring May 15 and has missed 26 games while on the disabled list. He was about four weeks into a six-week rehab when he felt the discomfort this week.“According to our doctors, there isn’t any larger concern that it’s a chronic type of injury,” Rizzo said.

You might enjoy this.I'm so sick of hearing Braves announcers and reporters (Brian Jordan and Jerome Jurenivich) making excuses for the Braves. They are always saying "Well, they just got shut down by great pitching." Really? Is EVERY pitcher we go against, great? Is every pitcher we go against, having his "good stuff"? When will they just tell the truth and say this team CAN'T HIT. Sorry folks, but this is really getting old; watching our team get shut down, just to hear someone say we ran into a really good pitcher. I beginning to believe, the BRAVES, just make mediocre pitchers, look really good.

Have you ever seen so many hitters in the Majors hitting below Mendoza? They are everywhere and almost every team has the problem.You have to wonder if the demise started with Steroid testing and this years HgH testing. I'm just not buying that players all of sudden have fallen apart.

First, they need to fire Greg Walker immediately. This guy is our hitting coach and if it takes him TWO MONTHS to fix people's swings, he needs to go. Chipper Jones fixed Adam LaRoche's swing in ONE DAY, simply by looking at his swing on video and telling him what he was doing wrong. Greg Walker hasn't fixed Uggla's swing in 2 1/2 years. Both Upton's are struggling and haven't been "fixed".

In farm news, Zach Walters hit two home runs and now leads the Nats' chain with 14.Overall, the pride of Cheyenne has had a woeful offensive season — .250 on base percentage, 'nuff said.But in Walters and Martinson the Nats have a couple of minor league shortstops with pop.

There is just something wrong with the whole team, including the manager. 3-4-5-6 batters with 9 strikeouts. Pull Rendon, with a what – 8,9 game hitting streak – batting .300 for a guy batting .130. Let's see, how can we stop that streak and lose another game. Poor Gio. This teams really S…s

Ah Ghost, the more you analyze the situation, and as I said I agree with your analysis, the more you prove my point from our previous debate! The decision whether to walk the bases full depends on the situation. Who's the runner at 3rd, who's the batter, who's the guy on deck? It's not "Baseball 101" with one obvious answer. Someone who thinks the best strategy would have been do something else is not obviously wrong. Davey's call, like Terry Collins's, can be discussed, debated, and second guessed. As you said the other day, which I would never say to you because I respect your baseball mind — "Sheesh."